James Milner turned, arms raised, to thank an Aston Villa crowd who had stood to acknowledge his brilliant contribution to this flowing victory.

It was yet another example of how influential a player the 23-year-old will be for his side as they challenge to break into the Premier League's top four. But it is his value to England in World Cup year which will be a comfort to national manager Fabio Capello.

This was an awesome performance from Milner; full of aggression and guile. He made goals and scored from the spot from a rebound, his only reckless moment in an afternoon of entertaining football from so many of Martin O'Neill's players.

Flying high: Ashley Young and Villa move to sixth after a resounding win

The Villa manager praised all four of his attackers, saying:
'Agbonlahor and Carew were too strong; Ashley Young and Milner so
fluent. There are goals in this team, we know that and we saw it
today.'

Bolton came intent not to give an inch then had no answer when
Villa took the lead after five minutes.

Manager Gary Megson said: 'If
we cannot play better then we will have to make changes.'

Jussi
Jaaskelainen produced two world-class saves in a matter of seconds,
only to see the second fall at the feet of Young to open the scoring.

Squeezed out: Richard Dunne battles with Ricardo Gardner

Gabriel Agbonlahor shot them further in front in the 43rd minute with a
chance created by John Carew's power. The ball was cut back and the
England striker placed the ball home.

Bolton battled back when
substitute Johan Elmander finished a surprise attack, tucking in a
rebound from a Gary Cahill shot which had flown in off a post.

But they
were powerless to stop Villa stretching their lead after 53 minutes as
Carew took centre stage.

Tall order: Aston Villa's John Carew (left) outjumps Fabrice Muamba

He ran on to Milner's through ball, forced his
way past Zat Knight, nutmegged Cahill then directed his shot home.

Bolton were now in disarray and Milner scored in the 72nd minute after
a blatant push by Kevin Davies, though Milner needed two stabs to score
from the penalty.

His kick was blocked, Steve Sidwell's effort on the
rebound hit a post and Milner finally touched it over the line.

O'Neill
said: 'It may have meant nothing in the context of today's match but it
could decided who takes the next penalty.'

Carlos Cuellar added to
Bolton's misery when he headed a Milner cross in for number five.